TfGM Metrolink: Expansion of the Network

Excalon is proud of it’s continuing involvement as a key contractor working with TfGM to expand the Metrolink tram network throughout Greater Manchester and improve transport in the region, which is integral to the Government’s plans for Manchester and the proposed Northern Powerhouse.

Since 2008, Excalon has worked closely with TfGM, MPT, Manchester City Council, ENWL and other utility companies in diverting and relocating existing utilities equipment to provide a swept path for new lines and stops, as follows:

Multi-utility works for the Second City Crossing (See interactive case study - Read More)

New branch lines to Ashton-Under-Lyne, Rochdale, Oldham, East Didsbury and Manchester Airport

Between 2008 and 2014, Excalon diverted and relocated all the EHV, HV, LV and service electricity cables, substations and associated equipment necessary for the construction of the new branch lines.

The works, which included major installations of 132kV circuits to reinforce the electricity network, presented many challenges and obstacles, including crossing over major highways and junctions and crossing under motorways and rivers and were all undertaken successfully, ahead of schedule and within critical outage periods.

Second City Crossing (2CC) through Manchester

Commencing in 2013, Excalon has been diverting and relocating all EHV/HV/LV and service electricity cables, substations and associated equipment together with installing innovative ‘multi-utility’ ductings in the ground and providing global traffic management (for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic) as necessary for the ongoing construction of the Second City Crossing through the heart of Manchester City Centre.

At the planning stage of the Second City Crossing it was acknowledged that there would be major engineering difficulties caused by having to divert/relocate all the various utilities at the same time in the busy City Centre, where there would be severe congestion with unacceptable disruption and delays. To address these difficulties, Excalon was appointed to work closely with TfGM, MPT, Manchester City Council and all the utility companies to create and install innovative ‘multi-utility’ trenches/ductings and put in place appropriate global traffic management facilities.

The complexity of the diversionary and relocation works, being in the heart of the City Centre, through conservation areas, presented many other unique challenges and obstacles, which necessitated close cooperation with the client and all the key stakeholders (TfGM, MPT, MCC, all the utility companies, highway and street works inspectors, police, environment agency, heritage and archaeological personnel, owners and occupiers of commercial, retail and residential premises and others). The decision to install multi-utility ductings and provide associated global traffic management facilities has resulted in the works being undertaken successfully, on schedule and has kept disruption in the City Centre to a minimum.

"Multi-Utility" works for the Second City Crossing (2CC) through Manchester

The “Interactive Map” below shows the route of the Second City Crossing and the “multi-utility” works in the various sections with full images and information.

TfGM Metrolink Interactive Map Key:

Section 1 - Corporation Street/Todd Street Multi-utility ducting was installed in trenches in the vicinity of Corporation Street directly outside The Co-operative bank. The photos show the actual duct formation in trenches for multi-utilities and the "As-built" and "Cross section" technical drawings. The installation was in an area of archaeological interest and was subject to constant monitoring by an appointed archaeologist who was in attendance whilst work was being undertaken.

Section 2 - Corporation Street/Selfridges department store
Multi-utility ducting was installed in trenches in this area. The photos show the actual duct formation in trenches for multi-utilities and the "As-built" and "Cross section" technical drawings. Special engineering obstacles encountered included purpose built troughs placed during previous infrastructure/building restoration works. It was necessary to undermine and under pin the troughs.

Section 3 - Corporation Street/Market Street
Multi-utility ductings were installed in the vicinity of this junction which is in one of the busiest shopping districts in Manchester. The photos show the actual duct formation in trenches for multi-utilities and the "As-built" and "Cross section" technical drawings. Working in such a busy thoroughfare, it was necessary that measures were taken to ensure local businesses remained unaffected and pedestrians could pass through whilst work was undertaken. The innovative solution to the challenge was to place a purpose built temporary vehicle access bridge over the excavations. A number of other smaller purpose built footbridges were also used to ensure the public had convenient access to businesses and shops, etc. During excavation, old structures were uncovered and were deemed to be of archaeological interest and it was necessary that the work was then subject to constant monitoring by the appointed archaeologist.Section 4 - Cross Street/Chapel Walks/Cheapside/King Street
Multi-utility ductings were installed in this conservation area, designated to be of heritage and archaeological interest. The photos show the actual duct formation in trenches for multi-utilities and the "As-built" and "Cross section" technical drawings. Working in close proximity to local businesses, shops and resturants, it was necessary to provide purpose built footbridges to enable public access and minimise disruption to businesses. The diversions also entered the narrow side streets and alleyways, which had to be cleared and designated areas established for the storage of waste bins, etc. Elements of the work had to be undertaken at night to accommodate the needs of businesses. During the planning stage it was acknowledged that this work would disturb the known heritage and archaeological area (i.e, old structures and covered graveyards) and would therefore be subjected to rigorous monitoring by heritage and archaeological personnel. It was also necessary to work closely with the archaeologist and the Church authorities along Cross Street where it was necessary for others to exhume around 120 bodies in the former graveyard which dated back to 1694. Acoustic barriers were used to reduce the sound of the excavators.Section 5 - Albert Square
Multi-utility ductings were installed in this conservation area in close proximity to the Manchester Town Hall which is a Grade 1 listed Gothic Victorian building and Albert Square which is a public square with a number of significant monuments and statues. The photos show the actual duct formation in trenches for multi-utilities and the "As-built" and "Cross section" technical drawings. Works were planned to be executed in phases (with 24 hour working to achieve the critical path for successful completion) to minimise disruption to pre-planned civic functions and City Centre events including the popular Christmas Markets. Protective hoardings were set up in and around Albert Square to protect the trees, monuments and statues whilst the work was undertaken. All work was subject to rigorous monitoring by heritage and archaeological personnel.

Section 6 - Princess Street/St Peters Square
Multi-utility ductings were installed in this conservation area in close proximity to the Manchester Town Hall and the coroners count. The photos show the actual duct formation in trenches for multi-utilities and the "As-built" and "Cross section" technical drawings. Works were planned to be executed in agreed shift patterns to minimise disruption to all. All work was subject to rigorous monitoring by heritage and archaeological personnel.Section 7 - St Peters Square/Oxford Street
Multi-utility ductings are being installed in this area in the vicinity of Manchester Central Library, The Midland Hotel and the recently repositioned cenotaph. The photos show the actual duct formation in trenches for multi-utilities and the "As-built" and "Cross section" technical drawings. Works are being undertaken in agreed shift patterns to minimise disruption to all. All work is subject to rigorous monitoring by heritage and archaeological personnel.

“Excalon have successfully delivered an innovative multi-utility solution throughout Manchester City Centre as part of the overall utility diversion works required by Metrolink. This has been a challenging programme which has involved works within one of Manchester’s busiest public open spaces; it has been delivered with collaboration, great care and professionalism”